Choosing the Right Dutch Oven

When making Dutch Oven Spaghetti, it's essential to choose the right pot. Look for a Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid and made of heavy-duty material, such as cast iron. This will ensure even heat distribution and help to lock in the flavors. A 5-quart Dutch oven is typically the perfect size for this recipe.

Gathering the Ingredients

To make Dutch Oven Spaghetti, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 pound of spaghetti - 1 pound of ground beef - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes - 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste - 2 teaspoons of dried basil - 2 teaspoons of dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Feel free to add any additional ingredients, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or Italian sausage, to customize the recipe to your taste.

Preparing the Spaghetti Sauce

Start by browning the ground beef in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the beef is cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cooksimmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and flavorful sauce.

Cooking the Spaghetti

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it well and set it aside.

Combining the Sauce and Spaghetti

Once the sauce has finished simmering and the spaghetti is cooked, it's time to combine the two. Add the cooked spaghetti to the Dutch oven with the sauce. Gently toss the spaghetti in the sauce until it is well coated. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve the Dutch Oven Spaghetti hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.